Several key elements of the devolved functions accounting for Ksh. 272.2 Billion are still run by the National Government ten years since Devolution kicked off in Kenya.

This is according to the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRCT) that appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations.

IGRCT's delegation led by its Chairperson CPA, Kithinji Kiragu told Senators that considerable resources needed to fund devolved functions still remain in the hands of the National Government.

The delegation appealed to the Committee and Senate at large to intervene and help push for the full transfer of devolved functions together with resources that will enable effective implementation of the functions.

They told the Senator Mohamed Abass led committee that there is need for a consensus on quantum and timeframe for transfer of resources appealing to Parliament to appropriately and timely incorporate the funds in the County Allocation Revenue Act.

The body revealed that overcoming the existing challenges will require political goodwill and commitment from both levels of Government.

Further, the Committee told the lawmakers that the Legal Notice No.142 of August 2019 delineated the Library function and distributed 59 libraries domiciled in 33 Counties.

IGRTC has already recommended to the Senate that the remaining 14 Counties be supported to establish libraries through a conditional grant beginning with 100 million shillings to each County.

In addition, IGRTC cited challenges and confusion in the allocation of library money appealing to the Senate to intervene and address the issues amicably.

“The allocation of the library funds was distributed as part of the equitable share to the 47 county governments and not as a grant to the 33 county governments to which libraries and staff were transferred, as a result, county governments with libraries received allocations that were lower than the original allocation to cater for staff remuneration,” submitted the Chair of IGRTC.

“On the other hand, county governments which did not receive libraries and staff were erroneously allocated funds, in the circumstances, some county governments have failed to take up the function due to less budgetary allocation to perform the function and the expanded wage bill,” added the Chairperson.

On ECDE, IGRTC submitted that the function was devolved without clear resources to implement is calling on the legislators to help in addressing the challenge.

The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee told the Legislators that there is a need to have a National Symposium bringing together all the stakeholders to discuss the status of Devolution.

The Senate Committee members assured IGRTC of support from the Senate appealing to the body to be candid when discharging their duties.

Members of the Committee present were Wajir County Senator Mohamed Abass (Chairperson), Sen. Catherine Mumma (Vice Chairperson), Marsabit County Senator Mohamed Chute and Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka.